About 50% of Russians linked the deterioration of health in winter to vitamin D deficiency

Almost half (49%) of the surveyed Russians admitted a correlation between the deterioration of general condition in winter and vitamin D deficiency. This is stated in the results of the survey conducted by the media holding Rambler & Co and online pharmacy "SBER EAPTECA", which were read by "Izvestia" on January 29.

Another 22% attribute it directly, and 9% have already identified vitamin D deficiency. Every fifth (20%) does not see the dependence of one on the other.

At the same time, 78% of respondents admitted that they regularly experience a lack of sunny days in their region during the cold season, 9% - only at the end of winter, 8% feel sometimes and 5% never.

Among the symptoms of sunlight deficiency 35% noted increased drowsiness and apathy, 31% named deterioration of mood and nervousness, 15% - decreased efficiency and lack of energy, 11% - immunity problems and predisposition to frequent colds in winter, 5% notice a decrease in visual acuity, 3% - concentration and attention.

As preventive measures in winter 31% of respondents take vitamin D or supplements containing it. 24% try to be outdoors more often, take walks and do sports, 13% add more sources of vitamin D to their diet, 11% eat berries, mushrooms and vegetables, 9% choose seafood, cheese, tofu, 5% drink freeshes and juices, other 5% go to countries with hot climate in winter, and 2% use solarium and light therapy.

Provisor and head of the pharmacy "SBER EAPTECA" Natalia Bolotova said that in conditions of limited number of sunny days it is important to provide the body with the necessary substances.

"The unique properties of vitamin D and its effects on the body can hardly be overestimated - it helps to improve the functioning of the body's immune defenses, strengthen bones and calcium absorption, and is involved in a number of other important processes. At the same time, its deficiency can critically affect health and lead to negative consequences, including memory impairment, impaired cardiovascular activity, weakening of bones and others," she said.

According to her, vitamin D is not the only "sunshine" vitamin. Among the useful substances that may be lacking in the body due to a deficit of ultraviolet light in the winter period, also include: vitamin A - reduces cholesterol, supports immunity, vitamin K - strengthens bone tissue and cardiovascular system, B12 - helps protect nerve cells, prevent anemia, zinc - affects the work of the thyroid gland, stimulates the production of essential hormones, boron - prevents osteoporosis, is responsible for joint health, magnesium - affects mental health and helps in the production of 300 enzymes.

"Working in a complex, these useful substances are able to provide effective protection to the body in the winter period and make up for deficiencies," the expert added.

At the same time, according to the pharmacist, to protect the skin from ultraviolet light in winter is as important as to make up for its deficiency. Ultraviolet rays are active throughout the year, and reflecting from ice or snow, their harmful effects on the skin only worsens. Therefore, going outdoors in winter, it is important to use a cream with SPF.

Earlier, on January 10, Elena Churakina, endocrinologist at SberZdorovye medical company, told Izvestia that winter foods in the diet should be rich in vitamins D and B, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Among them: fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, dairy and whole-grain products, nuts, flax seeds, legumes, avocados, as well as a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries.